Film Highlights the Impact of Sullivan 180’s Healthiest Fire Department Challenge
[LIBERTY, NY] Sullivan 180 recently released Serving Strong: The Healthiest Fire Department Challenge documenting how volunteer fire departments across Sullivan County are making a commitment to better health through the Challenge. The film highlights the people, purpose and possibilities behind the initiative, sharing firsthand stories from firefighters about the importance of prioritizing health, building camaraderie and creating lasting change within their firehouses.
“Volunteer firefighters dedicate their time to taking care of others, often balancing emergency calls with full-time jobs, families and other responsibilities. But taking care of their communities starts with taking care of themselves,” said Nicole Blais, Sullivan 180 Outreach Coordinator.
Now in its fourth year, the Healthiest Fire Department Challenge is a county-wide health and wellness competition open to Sullivan County fire departments. The initiative encourages firefighters to develop simple, sustainable habits and routines in three key areas: physical activity, nutrition and mental health. The need for this focus is significant.
Each year, the U.S. Fire Administration releases the Annual Report on Firefighter Fatalities in the United States, with the most recent study reporting that cardiovascular events remain the leading cause of death for firefighters. More than half of line of duty deaths in 2025 were due to cardiovascular events, most caused by stress or overexertion. Firefighters face increased risks of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, while demanding schedules and the culture of the volunteer fire service can make healthy eating, consistent exercise and adequate sleep difficult to prioritize. As the responsibilities of firefighting continue to evolve, maintaining physical and mental fitness has become increasingly important.
Sue Collins, a firefighter from Kauneonga Lake, shares that “Volunteer firefighting today is not like it was 50 years ago. It used to be you just put your boots and your coat on and away you went. There wasn't a lot of training; there wasn't a lot of physical activity involved like there is today. Having the Challenge to make us all more physically fit can only benefit you as a firefighter, not just physically, but mentally.”
In the film, participating firefighters share stories of members discovering previously undiagnosed health conditions, losing weight, improving their fitness and becoming more mindful of their overall health. And the camaraderie has become just as important as the health improvements. Firefighters are encouraging one another during workouts, trying activities they never imagined doing and building stronger relationships.
Blais emphasized, “Ultimately, the goal is simple: healthier firefighters, stronger fire departments and safer communities.”
The film features Brenton Smith (Challenge Captain, Narrowsburg/Lava FD), Sue Collins (Firefighter, Kauneonga Lake FD), Nicole Blais (Sullivan 180), John Hauschild (Director of Safety for the Sullivan County Division of Public Safety and Bureau of Fire Coordinator), Jon Wells (Chief and Challenge Captain, Monticello FD), and George Wood (Firefighter, Smallwood-Mongaup Valley FD). Sullivan 180 worked with local filmmaker Peter Crosby to create the film.